CORBIN BUILDING,
FULTON CENTER
Downtown Manhattan, New York, NY
HABS DOCUMENTATION, RESTORATION, REHABILITATION & ADAPTIVE RE-USE
"THE CORBIN BUILDING IS SIGNIFICANT FOR BOTH AESTHETIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN ARCHITECTURE. DESIGNED BY ARCHITECT FRANCIS HATCH KIMBALL (1845-1919) FOR THE PROMINENT BANKER AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER AUSTIN CORBIN, THE CORBIN BUILDING (1888-1889) IS A PROTO-SKYSCRAPER: AN EARLY TALL COMMERCIAL BUILDING, REACHING NINE STORIES"
-- From HABS Level I Documentation, prepared by PACA
Predating the use of pneumatic-driven caisson footings necessary for the steel-frame construction of true skyscrapers, the structure is still supported by load bearing masonry walls.
The Corbin Building represents several important developments in building technology:
Incorporation of Guastavino tile structural floor arches, designed for fire resistance, superior ability to accommodate large floor loads, and for streamlining and speeding construction. Pioneering use of elaborate terra cotta decoration is another notable feature of the Corbin Building.
An early example of “fast-track construction” – excavation was underway before plans were completed. Construction was completed in the relatively short time frame of eleven months, from 1888 to 1889.
The elevator, an essential feature for tall buildings, was furnished by Otis.
After comprehensive restoration, 2014. Photo by Wade Zimmerman.
Facade detail: terracotta and stitch-in brick replacement. Photo by Patrick Cashin.
Facade terracotta detail. Photo by Patrick Cashin.
Facade detail: cast-iron bays. Photo by Patrick Cashin.
Main public lobby on John St. Photo by Wade Zimmerman.
Main public lobby on John St, copper panel detail. Photo by Wade Zimmerman.
For photo credits roll cursor over photo gallery
Restored Lobby Elevators. Photo by Wade Zimmerman.
Restored historic stair, cast-iron & electroplated copper, Mahogany rail. Photo by Wade Zimmerman.
Restored historic mahogany wall paneling. Photo by Wade Zimmerman.
New windows to replicate historic ones, American Cherry & Mahogany. Photo by Wade Zimmerman.
Main public lobby on John St, copper paneling. Photo by Wade Zimmerman.
Main public lobby escalators to Fulton St. subway lines. Photo by Wade Zimmerman.
For photo credits roll cursor over photo gallery
Location
Downtown Manhattan, New York City
Client
New York City Transit Authority / MTA-Capital Construction
Corbin Building Design Team
Page Ayres Cowley Architecture, LLC (PACA) : Architect of Record
ARUP: Prime Consultant, Engineering Services
Corbin Building Contractor & Specialty Sub-Contractor
Judlau Contracting Inc., General Contractor;
Brisk Waterproofing Company, Masonry Restoration
Fulton Center Design Team
Nicholas Grimshaw & Partners, Ltd
HDR / Daniel Frankfurt: Fulton Street Subway & Underpass
Completion Date
2014
The project was directed by ARUP who served as the Engineer of Record for the Fulton Transit Center. PACA was one of three architects who served as the Architect of Record for the Corbin Building, the passageway links to the below-grade excavation and the connection to Grimshaw's new building.
Slated initially for demolition, PACA was retained to undertake a HABS (Historic American Building Survey) documentation and Level 1 Assessment Report, which together with local residents and the aid of several preservation advocacy groups (the NY Landmarks Conservancy and the Down Town Alliance), secured the Corbin Building as part of the Fulton Center. The HABS Report, and the initial historic appraisal prepared by Mary Dierickx, served as supporting documentation for the designation of the building as both an NYC Landmark and its entry on the National Register of Historic Places.
As part of the rehabilitation and restoration of the building, extensive code compliance and exterior restoration were required -- from the foundation to the roof. Significant structural modifications were inserted to provide seismic and wind-load bracing.
THE CORBIN BUILDING HAS RECEIVED SEVERAL AWARDS FOR THE CORBIN BUILDING INCLUDING:
LUCY MOSES AWARD
AIA NY STATE AWARD OF MERIT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
AIA EXCELSIOR AWARD
ACEC DIAMOND AWARD
THE HISTORIC DISTRICTS COUNCIL